If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

I thought maybe it was because the 22nd was the birthday of the first president of our country... [img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif[/img] and 'guest' was making the president connection. ya think?

I'd like to offer my skills for this cause. If I could get a lead on exactly where I could help, I would appreciate the PM! [img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/img] Now, I could help in a number of ways. But, to name one that may be unique but not helpful, is that I am a Film Major and Multimedia. If I can't do it I have friends who can. So, when it comes to multimedia or even a Video I can help you out. On the other hand, research, writing, relaying messages, or even offering plant space I can do it. Let me know what is best and when. [img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/img]

Here is a bit I wrote in hopes that my local paper would publish it, but it never made it in. This has to do with Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis.

There are many plants and animals, in the world today, that have been added to the Endangered Species List. However, not many people get a hands-on chance to help save these plants and animals from total extinction. On June 9th, 2003, I was given the privilege of doing just that. On my porch was a box from the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) containing two Federally Endangered Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis or Sarracenia alabamensis and all the appropriate documentation. These plants are part of a project to help decrease the number of plants poached from the ever decreasing wild populations.

The plants that have been distributed as part of the program are all grown in greenhouses from seeds acquired by the ICPS. The seeds were germinated by the ICPS Director of Conservation Programs Barry Rice, and by the ICPS Seed Bank Manager, John Brittnacher. The plants were then transferred to the Botanical Conservatory greenhouse at the University of California at Davis for further development. (Carnivorous Plant Newsletter, March 2003, Vol. 32, No. 1:4)

Sarracenia alabamensis has been fighting a loosing battle for habitat ever since the first people drained land for farming and housing. As land was drained, it caused water tables to drop. As a result Sarracenia alabamensis began to decline in physical size and population numbers due to habitat drying up.

Another large factor that has contributed to decreased populations is the lack of fire. Over the years, forest fires have been suppressed to help protect human communities. In order for Sarracenia alabamensis to thrive, as well as other species of Sarracenia, it must have little competition from larger shade creating plants. One of the ways the larger plants had been controlled was by natural fires created by lighting. However, due to housing developments, shopping centers, and other public areas, these types of fires are put out before they have a chance to clear the scrub and brush. Today, it is difficult to get permission for prescribed burns. Which has further reduced the populations of Sarracenia species as a whole, and severely threatened Sarracenia alabamensis.

In 1990, there were 28 reported locations of Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis in three counties in Alabama. Today there are less than 12 locations. Over 50% of Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis populations have been lost due to habitat destruction, over collecting, lack of fire, and adverse land practices which still continue today. Of the remaining 12 locations, plant populations range from 2 individuals to 300 individuals, with most locations containing less than 50 individuals. (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

In order to obtain these plants, those interested must have been a current member of the ICPS and submit request for the plants. Members were chosen at random to receive plants and it was not known how many plants there were to go around. Those who submitted a request had to send in a fee to cover the costs associated with the distribution of the plants. Plants were distributed under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit TE060992-0. The purpose of the project was not to raise money, but to distribute as many plants as possible to members all over the United States.

After submitting a request, members had to wait to see if they would get the privilege to care for Sarracenia alabamensis plants. Although each member whose name was drawn would receive two plants, the plants came with no guarantee and one or both plants could be dead on arrival. Fortunately, the plants I received arrived in good condition and have a good chance of survival. The plants that one could receive came from two of three possible locations. It was encouraged to choose to accept plants from two different locations to help keep the gene pool of Sarracenia alabamensis diverse.

As time goes by, these plants will mature and begin to flower. It will be up to me, and the other members who received these plants, to pollinate and distribute the seeds back to the ICPS for others to grow. Through this program of giving, it is hoped that the plants will continue to live well into the future and be there for other generations to enjoy. Members of the ICPS are encouraged to donate seeds from these plants back to the ICPS Seed Bank.

Sarracenia alabamensis is a Carnivorous Plant found in a limited range in Alabama and is one of five subspecies of Sarracenia rubra. These plants adapted to lure, capture and digest insects. The leaves of Sarracenia have developed into hollow tubes that resemble trumpets or tall pitchers have the ability to hold fluid. Over the top of the pitcher is a lid that helps to keep excess rain water from overfilling the pitchers. Around the opening is a lip that extends around the perimeter of opening until it reaches the neck of the lid. This lip is covered with nectar that lures the prey closer to the trap. Prey is then guided by other nectar gland and various patterns to venture further into the trap. In addition, downward pointing hairs help guide the prey further down the trap. These hairs make it virtually impossible for the prey to escape. The fluid found in the pitcher contains enzymes secreted by the plant as well as bacteria that is used in the breakdown and digestion of insects and other animal matter. The tops of the pitchers are very colorful, containing reds and yellows, and have elaborate patterns that are attractive to insects.

eplants02, Who are you? Have you taken a vote in the poll? Have you volunteered to help out? Have you joined the Terra Forums, or the new organisation forming? Come on, be a part of. It takes more than growing space for this, and being a part of the new society is one of them. Get back to us and let us know, we could use serious growers for this project.

I was wondering. No profile, no nothing! [img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif[/img]?[img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif[/img]?[img]http://www.**********.com/iB_html312/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif[/img]?